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Surrey workers hailed as being among the most productive in the UK for boosting the economy

Surrey workers have been hailed as being among the most productive in the UK for boosting the economy.

For Surrey County Council has this week highlighted figures that show county employees in 2012 contributed more to the national economy per hour worked than all but two areas outside central London.

The council was citing data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The ONS figures showed Surrey’s productivity rate for 2012 was 18.3% above the country’s average, with productivity cited as a key indicator of economic growth.

Surrey County Council deputy leader Peter Martin said: “These figures demonstrate that Surrey packs one of the country’s biggest economic punches thanks to the dedication of our hard-working residents.”

Coun Martin said: “The county council is committed to taking an active role in supporting the county’s economy, helping it to grow and generate more jobs.

“That means working with businesses to promote innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, and giving people the skills they need to succeed.”

A Surrey County Council spokesman said the council's growth-boosting initiatives include filling almost 540 apprenticeships within a year, launching a £100 million programme to overhaul more than 300 miles of roads to help businesses run more efficiently, and giving virtually everyone high-speed broadband access by the end of this year.

The county council has also pledged to ensure 60% of its spending on goods and services is with local firms.

The ONS came up with its figures by comparing each council region to the UK average based on its nominal gross value added (GVA), or the value of goods and services produced in an area, per hours worked.

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